KPNO is a division of the National Optical Astronomy Observatories which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), Inc. under cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation

Kitt Peak was selected in 1958 as the site for a national observatory from a survey that included more than 150 mountain ranges across the United States. Located on lands of the Tohono O'odham Nation in the Sonoran Desert southwest of Tucson, Arizona, Kitt Peak today is home to the world's largest collection of optical telescopes under desert skies that continue to be some of the finest in the world for astronomical observations.

In celebration of Kitt Peak National Observatory's 40th anniversary we would like to share with you some highlights from the past four decades supporting the excellence of scientific research at Kitt Peak.

Commemorative Images

Kitt Peak Telescope and Instrument Highlights

• Mayall 4-m Telescope
• McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope
• WIYN 3.5-m Telescope
• 2.1-m Telescope
• Contributions of KPNO's Small Telescopes
• Which was your Thesis Instrument at Kitt Peak?

Historical Moments

• Pictures from the Early Years at Kitt Peak
• Our First View of Kitt Peak, by Helmut Abt

Special Events

• AURA-sponsored Reception - August 4

webmaster@noao.edu Last updated: 05Aug1998

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